Auto Insurance Claims: totaled car, 2000 dodge intrepid, party survey

Question
QUESTION: Someone ran a stop sign and ran right into me.  Almost a head on.  I was driving on a straight away road, they were coming from a high school entrance/exit.  My insurance AAA, said even though we have full coverage, they do not use any blue book amt. for recovery.  We pay the $400 deductible, and get amount 3600. for a 2000 Dodge intrepid, w/84,000.  This price doesnt seem fair, when the blue book is $6,250.  They said they use a 3rd party to get an average of what a dealer and private party is getting for a car of this age.  But said I am getting $500 (included in price) because of lower miles for this year car.  Does this sound right to you?  Any input would help.  I thought full coverage was just that, what the blue book price is, or at least closer to it than that.
Thank you
Kim

ANSWER: Hi Kim,
Blue Book is just a guideline and bears no true indication on what the car is actually selling for in your area.  
You are actually being offered $4,000 for your car.  $3,600 now and reimbursement of your deductible of $400 when they recover from the party that hit you. There is no reason why you can't also open a claim against the party that hit you and simply take the highest offer between the two companies.
Since AAA had done a 3rd party survey of cars like yours currently for sale, ask them to give you a copy of that survey so you can go and look at those cars.  If they are not comparable to yours as far as condition and equipment, then you need to visit 3-4 used car lots, find comparable cars and have the owner write you a statement of his lowest 'willing to sell for' price.  This will enable you to combat what you feel is a low offer and secure a higher payment for your car.
I hope this has been of help, please write again if you have more questions.
Your feedback by rating my answer will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Bennie
San Francisco Bay area 12-09-07 2:43 AM PST

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bennie,
Thanks for your prompt answer.  Michigan is a no-fault state, so I can still go to the company of the person who hit me?  It sounds like a lot of leg work, I am wondering if it is worth it.  If I find that I feel I have been cheated by the AAA price, should I contact a lawyer?
Thanks again for your service.
Kim

Answer
Hi Kim,
You neglected to tell me your state of residence in your first question.
Stick to dealing with AAA.  I don't think AAA is trying to cheat you with an offer of $4,000 less your deductible of $400 = Net $3,600.  Just stating that if your car is in better condition than most 2000 Dodge intrepid, it's worth your while to explore every avenue to determine it's true value in order to reach a higher settlement.
Hiring an attorney is not an avenue worth exploring.  His fee will be between $300-$450 per hour and is paid out of your pocket, it is not recoverable from AAA.
Hope everything is more clear now.
Sincerely,
Bennie
12-09-07 08:15 AM PST